grapevine: hear.it.first

Archive for the ‘Tasting Notes’ Category

2007 J. Lohr Riverstone Chardonnay

Monday, April 13th, 2009

89/A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 10 Mar 2009

Medium lemon yellow core with a clear rim. Ripe yellow pear is accented by citrus aromas of lemon and mandarin orange. Tropical mango notes are surrounded by wafting creamy vanilla toast. Very ripe and bold in the mouth. Juicy mandarin orange, yellow pear and mango lead to some tangy pink grapefruit on the finish with a good dose of lingering creamy vanilla.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 J. Lohr Fog’s Reach Vineyard Pinot Noir

Monday, April 13th, 2009

91/B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 12 Mar 2009

Medium ruby core with a pale pink rim. Ripe and brambly aromas of wild blackberry and boysenberry are joined by spicy cola, red cherry and a hint of smoky peat. Soft entry on the palate, with restrained and elegant fruit. Strawberry and red cherry lead to raspberry on the mid-palate. Rather smooth and delicate with a floral note of rose petals and touch of earth on the finish. Smooth and very well balanced.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 Pepperwood Grove Cabernet Sauvignon

Monday, April 13th, 2009

87/B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 11 Mar 2009

Ruby core with flecks of purple on the rim. Blackberry, black cherry and light cassis aromas. Same black fruits on the palate, joined by a punch of cinnamon spice and some orange zest. Just a hint of tannins.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 Pepperwood Grove Merlot

Monday, April 13th, 2009

88/B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 11 Mar 2009

Bright ruby color in the glass. Youthful aromas of raspberry, red cherry and blackberry with a touch of vanilla. A tiny hint of sugar on the palate makes the fruit very juicy. Lush raspberry and blackberry are supported by a hint of ripe tannins. The fruit is balanced fairly well by a little scorched earth and vanilla on the finish.

Click here for full grades section.

2007 Alois Lageder Vogelmaier Moscato Giallo

Monday, April 13th, 2009

89/B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 30 Jan 2009

Very pale lemon color with a clear rim. Huge, explosive aromas flow from the glass. Spicy and floral with orange blossom and jasmine floating over ripe lime citrus. A bit more muted on the palate. Sweet herbal marjoram surrounds tangy lemon and lime with a lingering wet stone note on the finish.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 Landmark Chardonnay Overlook

Monday, April 13th, 2009

89/B+

Tasted by Mike Supple - 11 Feb 2009

Pale gold core with a bright lemon rim. Youthful aromas of lemons and cream are surrounded by toasty oak, ripe tangerine and yellow pear. Round and full-bodied with lots of cream and toasty oak up front. Lemon and white peach swarm in on the mid-palate and lead to a long vanilla finish.

Made mostly of grapes from Sonoma County (77%) but with a healthy does of Santa Barbara County (14%) and Monterey County (9%) as well.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 Querciabella Chianti Classico

Monday, April 13th, 2009

91/A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Feb 2009

Dark ruby core with a tiny garnet rim. Sweet black and red cherry fruits lurk under bright, expressive wild flowers, a touch of sage and ripe plum. Chalky and bold tannins support the body of the wine. A core of dark chocolate, earth and minerals are surrounded by sweet black cherry and plums. Chewy and full-bodied with a long, lingering mocha finish.

Click here for full grades section.

2005 Terrabianca Campaccio IGT

Monday, April 13th, 2009

90/B

Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Feb 2009

Medium ruby core with a wide garnet rim. Still very young, but the aromas are showing the wine is beginning to integrate and evolve. Spicy cedar surrounds sweet leather and dried herbs. Blackberry and black cherry fruit lurk beneath the spices and are accented by an edge of charcoal. Powerful, chalky tannins on the palate. Raspberry, red cherry and plum flavors mix with chocolate and a touch of smoky game. Wet stones and earth linger on the finish.

A blend of 70% Sangiovese and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 Fattoria di Felsina Chianti Classico

Monday, April 13th, 2009

91/A

Tasted by Mike Supple - 13 Feb 2009

Dark ruby core with a wide ruby rim, accented with flecks of garnet. Fresh and young on the nose with sweet herbs and leather around plum and dark cherry. A sweet ripe raspberry note yields to red cherry and a faint, lingering hint of earth. Bold ripe tannins are balanced well by lots of acid and tons of dark fruit. Plum and black cherry are backed by earth and cocoa powder with a touch of wet stone on the finish. Very well balanced and great mouthfeel. Another winner from Felsina.

Click here for full grades section.

2006 Educated Guess Cabernet Sauvignon

Monday, April 13th, 2009

90/A-

Tasted by Mike Supple - 15 Feb 2009

Deep ruby and purple core with a wide ruby rim. Vanilla, fresh oak and a touch of earthy aromas surround a bold core of cassis, blackberry, black cherry and plum. Lush and fruity on the palate entry with a solid core of ripe and approachable tannins. Creamy vanilla surrounds plush cherry and blackberry with a touch of smoke. Spicy cedar lingers on the finish.

Click here for full grades section.